Words of admiration keep pouring in for William S. Latoff after the Chairman and CEO of DNB Financial Corp. passed away on Monday, highlighting just how many lives were touched and positively influenced through his lifelong dedication to the community.

While many praised his leadership that ensured that DNB First survived where many others have failed, most people also reflected on his support and involvement in Chester County institutions and charities, write Ginger Dunbar and Brian McCullough for Daily Local News.

“He was one on the most caring, loving individuals you could ever meet,” remembered long time friend and West Chester attorney, Joseph E. “Skip” Brion. “He was much more than an entrepreneur or a businessman. No matter what the cause, if someone gave him a call, he was ready to help.”

The Chester County Historical Society and the Devon Horse Show were among the biggest beneficiaries of Latoff’s generosity and caring. Gary Smith, the President and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council said that both institutions were in dire straits when Latoff decided to step in and offer his help.

He came up with a way to raise funds for the Devon Horse Show which allowed this Chester County institution to upgrade the facility on Lancaster Avenue where the show is annually held, preventing development plans that would have meant its end.

“He saved it, and nothing says Chester County like the Devon Horse Show,” said Smith.

A similar situation occurred with the Historical Society, which had to make expensive repairs on its building on the High Street in West Chester at a time when its financial situation was far from good. That is when Latoff agreed to become chairman of the board, Smith recalled, and that is when things started to change.

“Bill got them the grant money they needed and today the historical society is a great organization,” Smith said. “After he fixed it, he stepped aside.”

Downingtown area residents and institutions have also said how much they will miss Latoff’s character and his support. Downingtown Mayor, Josh Maxwell, commented that he met with Latoff frequently, always to discuss possibilities for development projects in the borough.

“He was an engaged businessman, someone that was very interested in how our community is moving forward,” said Maxwell. “He always made himself available for whatever was needed.”

Describing Latoff as a cheerleader for progress in the borough, Maxwell went on to say that “Downingtown is a better place because of his commitment to our area. I join the entire Downingtown community in keeping Bill’s family, friends and the DNB First family in our thoughts and prayers.”